Super Eagles right-back Abdullahi Bewene made his competitive Nigeria debut in the 3-1 win over Tanzania in Uyo, and the 21-year-old Baník Ostrava defender gave Eric Chelle plenty to think about before Tuesday’s return leg in Zanzibar.
Football in Nigeria credited him with one big chance created and four key passes on Friday, and praised his composure on the ball and his passing out from the back.
It was his fourth appearance for the Super Eagles, but the first that counted for points. His three earlier caps all came in friendlies: a full 90 minutes on his debut in the 2-2 draw with Poland in Warsaw in June, a substitute appearance in the 2-1 defeat by Portugal in Lisbon, and the 3-3 draw with Russia in October.
‘My first official competitive match’
Bewene had marked the occasion before kick-off. Speaking to Footy-Africa, in comments carried by Afrik-Foot, he explained why Uyo meant more than his earlier caps.
“This is my first invitation where I will be playing in Nigeria for the Super Eagles. All the three times I have played have been abroad.”
“There was Portugal, Poland and Russia, and this is my first official competitive match for Nigeria,” he added.
His rise has been quick. He was first called up as a replacement for Femi Azeez, and in August he signed a new contract at Baník Ostrava running to 2031, after interest from Club Brugge, Gent and Slavia Prague, according to Football in Nigeria. He made 38 appearances last season as Baník finished third in the Czech top flight.
Analysis: Bewene has made the right-back race real
Nigeria are not short of right-backs. Ola Aina, Bright Osayi-Samuel and Ryan Alebiosu all offer Chelle options on that side, which makes Bewene’s selection for a must-win qualifier a clear sign of trust.
Four key passes from full-back is a strong return in a game the Super Eagles dominated, with 67.8% of possession and 17 shots. It suggests Chelle wanted width and delivery from that flank, and Afrik-Foot singled out his link-up with substitute Moses Usor as one of the encouraging threads of the second half.
The defensive picture is less clear. Nigeria have conceded in all three of their AFCON 2027 qualifiers, and a return leg away from home may tempt Chelle towards experience. If the coach keeps faith with Bewene in Zanzibar, it would mark him out as more than a stand-in for the senior names in this month’s squad.
Bewene turns 22 on 29 November. A second competitive cap in Zanzibar on Tuesday, with so much riding on the Group L result, would be a strong hint about who Chelle sees as his right-back for March.
